Orlando’s theme parks offer a cornucopia of family fun.

Orlando, the theme-park capital of America, is a place for kids of all ages to ride, slide, fly or float their way to a perfect vacation.

Whether at a beach, theme park, museum or restaurant, there's no easier place to let loose and have fun.

An ongoing competition between the big three — SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World — has created a playground of choices for visitors.

They flock in the greatest numbers to Disney World, and for good reason — nobody does magic and fantasy like Disney. With two water parks and four theme parks, it's possible to spend your entire vacation with Mickey.

For kids of all ages

The most popular theme park at Walt Disney World is The Magic Kingdom. All roads lead to Disney's iconic Cinderella Castle, easily recognized for its white tower, golden spires and royal blue turrets. Under it archways are incredible glass murals telling the story of Cinderella. Beware the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where little girls are transformed into “Disney Divas.” It offers every princess accessory known to mankind and can be devastating to your wallet.

Fantasyland is the kiddie mecca, and is undergoing an expansion. Popular rides here include Ariel's Grotto and It's a Small World. Legend has it that after just one ride, the song stays in your head forever. Not to worry, there are enough bars and other nearby distractions to help with that problem.

Follow the tiki torches to Adventureland and the popular Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Nearby Frontierland celebrates the Wild West, with rides such as Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Close by is another big draw: the Haunted Mansion at Liberty Square. This area is a patriotic recreation of early 18th century America, with cobblestone streets and Georgian architecture.

Comprising 120 hectares, Epcot is the second-largest park at Disney World and is frankly exhausting. Spaceship Earth Geosphere marks Future World with 10 themed areas focused on discovery, scientific achievements, and tomorrow's technologies. Nearby is World Showcase featuring 11 national pavilions, each with authentic food, music, restaurants and shops. You can literally eat or shop your way around the world. Plan on at least a full day here and use the available transportation, unless you need some exercise after all that food.

Taming the jungle

Animal Kingdom is the world’s largest Disney theme park, a 202-hectare conservation area with the fewest rides but plenty of animals. Find the Tree of Life on Discovery Island and then head over to Camp Minnie-Mickey to visit the famous couple. Africa has the largest concentration of animals and you can see most of them on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. One of the best thrill-rides, Expedition Everest, and plenty of exotic animals can be enjoyed at Asia. Little kids will enjoy the carnival-style rides and games at Dinoland. Be sure to put Finding Nemo: The Musical and the Festival of the Lion King on your to-do list.

Hooray for Tinsel town

Disney's Hollywood Studios has live entertainment, backstage tours and rides based on popular films. Collect autographs from favourite characters, ride the Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, or become a star at the American Idol experience.

America's best roller coaster

For several years, Universal Studios has given Disney a run for its money by recreating itself into a complete resort destination with two theme parks (the original Universal Studios and newer Islands of Adventures), the City Walk dining-shopping-nightclub complex and three luxury properties. This park is geared for tween and adult movie fans looking for thrills. Such rides as The Simpsons, Dragon Challenge and the Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster all deliver. The recently unveiled Wizarding World of Harry Potter will have muggles beside themselves with excitement.

For water babies

SeaWorld offers a gentler experience with attractions and activities centred on marine life. There are only six rides at the park, include the high-flying roller coaster Manta, so it's easier to plan your day. The biggest draws are the animal shows with Shamu, the killer whale along with goofy seals and sea lions, playful penguins and gentle dolphins. (You can swim with the dolphins at nearby Discovery Centre.) Next door, Aquatica is an eco-educational water park with 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and a 7,432-square-metre beach where you can frolic alongside marine animals.

Reach for the stars

For a different kind of magic, take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center, 72 km east of Orlando. Take a bus tour to see NASA's Apollo/Saturn V Center and its massive launch pads. Discovery space heroes at the Astronaut Fall of Fame or enjoy interactive theatre where you can join Starfleet Academy or feel the g-force of a rocket launch. See if you got the right stuff at the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX).

Far from Mickey

For a taste of Orlando before it became Disneyfied, take an Everglade airboat ride at Boogey Creek or visit the charmingly quirky Gatorland to learn the differences between crocodiles and alligators. Drive a NASCAR rocket at the Richard Petty Driving Experience or take a hot air balloon ride at Fantasy of Flight and see all its vintage aircraft. Orlando is also a golfers nirvana, with over 70 courses to choose from.

Eat, Play and Save

Visiting Orlando doesn't have to break the bank. With some online sleuthing and proper planning, you can find bargains. Here are some tips to help maximize the savings.

1. Travel off-season

Save big by avoiding the busy seasons. Disney offers significant savings during its value season (the first six weeks of the year), the regular season (April until June) and fall season (end of Sept. until Dec. 22). There are also fewer crowds.

2. Shop online

Keep an eye on the special offers page at the Walt Disney World website (disneyworld.disney.go.com). Orlando's Tourism board also lists discounts and offers the Orlando Magic Card with savings on hotels, restaurants and attractions (www.orlandoinfo.com/index.cfm). The unofficial Mousesavers.com has great advice on where to find deals along with tips about saving money. It's also an excellent resource for planning your visit. If approached with caution, ticket resellers can offer good value. One of the best is the Disney-authorized Undercover Tourist which sells discounted tickets to the park and other attractions. It's also got a cool Disney app with a planner and park map (www.undercovertourist.com).

3. Do your homework

Contacting a Disney travel specialist can help you save money, but don't let them pressure you into buying a vacation deal. Doing a “room only” reservation and then buying your flight, dining and other components separately can save you money while giving you maximum flexibility.

4. Buy Bulk

Combination packages can save you a bundle. The 2-Park Ticket gives you unlimited entry to both Aquatica and SeaWorld Orlando for 14 days. The FlexTicket allows you to also combine all the non-Disney features into one ticket price while an annual Disney Resort pass gives added perks and 40 per cent discounts on rooms and restaurants. You can save big with both.

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By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.